For the first time in its history, the announcement of the Helpmann Awards for 2018 has been divided into two concurrent evening events. The first 20 winners were announced tonight at the Sydney Town Hall. The other 23 will be presented tomorrow at the Capitol Theatre.

Leading the charge at the first event – the 2018 Helpmann Awards Act I, as it has been dubbed – were Muriel’s Wedding The Musical with five awards, followed by Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Bennelong with three each.

Maggie McKenna with Hilary Cole, Helen Dallimore and cast members of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical. Photograph © Lisa Tomasetti

The Act I event was held at an intimate cocktail event at which the awards were presented in the best creative, designer and supporting acting role categories, along with Best Presentation for Children, Best Regional Touring production, and Best Special Event.

The brand new Australian musical, Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, produced by Sydney Theatre Company and Global Creatures, won Best Original Score for Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, Best Music Direction for Isaac Hayward, Best Costume Design for Gabriela Tylesova, Best Choreography in a...